The U.S. Soybean Export Council, Inc. (USSEC) is a leading nonprofit trade association that promotes the global export and utilization of U.S. soybeans and soy-based products. Headquartered in Chesterfield, Missouri, USSEC represents a strategic alliance of soybean producers, processors, commodity shippers, merchandisers, allied agribusinesses, and agricultural organizations committed to connecting global customers with the reliability, sustainability, and quality of U.S. Soy.
Organizational Mission and Vision
USSEC’s mission is to maximize the utilization and value of U.S. soybeans across the world through strategic marketing, education, and technical support. The Council plays a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining long-term relationships with international buyers, while promoting the competitive advantages of U.S. Soy underpinned by quality, consistency, and sustainable production practices.
Product Portfolio
USSEC promotes a wide range of soy-based agricultural products, including:
- Soybeans: Whole soybeans including non-GMO and identity-preserved (IP) varieties
- Soybean Meal: High-protein meal for animal feed and aquaculture applications
- Soybean Oil: Crude and refined oils for food and industrial use
- Soy Ingredients: Soy protein isolate, soy flour, soy concentrates for food and nutraceutical applications
These products serve key sectors such as poultry, swine, aquaculture, livestock, human food, and biofuels.
Global Reach and Export Performance
The United States is the world’s leading exporter of soybeans, and USSEC plays a central role in sustaining this leadership. According to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service:
- In 2022, U.S. soybean exports totaled over 61.9 million metric tons, with a value exceeding $34 billion USD
- U.S. soybean meal exports reached over 12 million metric tons
- Over 70% of U.S. soybean production is exported, with major destinations including China, Mexico, the EU, Egypt, Japan, and Southeast Asia
USSEC operates through a network of 10 regional offices and works in over 80 countries, managing on-the-ground technical support, customer engagement, and trade servicing.
Sustainability and Traceability
USSEC champions sustainability through the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP), which documents sustainable farming practices across U.S. soybean farms. As of 2023:
- Over 95% of U.S. soybean exports were SSAP-verified
- The SSAP is benchmarked by the European Feed Manufacturers' Federation (FEFAC) and compliant with International Trade Centre’s Sustainability Map
The SSAP confirms adherence to conservation compliance, responsible land use, and continuous improvement in reducing environmental footprint. U.S. soybean farmers have achieved:
- A 35% reduction in soil erosion
- A 41% increase in production efficiency over the past 30 years
- A 25% decrease in energy use per bushel of soybeans produced
Key Stakeholders and Membership
USSEC’s membership includes:
- United Soybean Board (USB)
- American Soybean Association (ASA)
- Qualified State Soybean Boards (QSSBs)
- Agribusinesses such as exporters, processors, logistics providers, and seed companies
This collaborative structure allows USSEC to pool resources and expertise across the value chain, enhancing trade impact and market development.
Technical Expertise and Services
USSEC provides technical and educational services to enhance global soy utilization:
- Feed formulation support and ingredient optimization
- Aquaculture consulting including best practices for soy-fed fish species
- Nutritional research and demonstration trials on soy inclusion in animal diets
- Food industry workshops on soy protein usage and innovation
- Trade servicing and buyer training for importers and feed manufacturers
Through its global events and programs, USSEC supports over 1,000 customers annually, building confidence in U.S. Soy through data, science, and performance.
Market Development and Impact
USSEC invests in long-term market development through:
- Global Soy Trade Exchanges and industry summits
- Partnerships with international institutions, NGOs, and universities
- Support for infrastructure development, such as feed mills and storage facilities
As a result of its strategic outreach, USSEC helped grow U.S. soy exports to:
- Egypt – Soybean imports increased from 1.2 MMT in 2015 to over 4.1 MMT in 2022
- Vietnam – U.S. soy market share exceeded 65% by volume in 2023
- Indonesia – Soybean meal exports rose by 11% YOY in 2022
Certifications and Compliance
U.S. Soy exports meet stringent quality and safety standards, backed by:
- USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) certifications
- FDA and EPA compliance for food and environmental safety
- ISO 22000 and GMP+ certified supply chain partners
- Continuous monitoring of mycotoxins, oil content, protein levels, and other quality indicators
Educational and Promotional Resources
USSEC offers a wide array of digital and print resources:
- U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) brochure
- Soybean Meal Nutritional Guide
- Educational videos on soy sustainability, aquaculture, and feed benefits
- Interactive tools like the U.S. Soy Advantage Calculator for nutritionists
Video highlights include:
- "U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol"
- "The U.S. Soy Advantage"
- "U.S. Soybean Meal: Quality and Nutritional Benefits"
These materials are available in multiple languages, helping USSEC reach stakeholders worldwide.
Recognition and Achievements
- Designated by USDA as the official cooperator for U.S. soybean export promotion
- Instrumental in securing the U.S.-EU mutual recognition of SSAP compliance
- Recognized by the Global Aquaculture Alliance for sustainable feed promotion
- Helped launch new crushing capacity in Bangladesh and Pakistan, expanding U.S. soy access
Through science-based advocacy, sustainable sourcing, and strategic partnerships, the U.S. Soybean Export Council remains at the forefront of expanding global demand for U.S. Soy and reinforcing its position as a trusted, long-term partner in food security, animal nutrition, and sustainability.